You may have noticed the less-than-subtle mentions of UTM’s ROTC program that I tend to sprinkle onto this section every chance I get.
Don’t get me wrong; all of The Pacer supports the ROTC, but the reason I bring it up so often is because, in my mind, the ROTC has the potential to produce some top-notch alumni.
Think about it: a college graduate with a degree from UTM, as well as the discipline and training of the U.S. Army. What employer wouldn’t want that combination?
That’s not to say that I think all UTM students should be in the ROTC, but I will say that students that are a part of the ROTC program have one heck of an advantage in the job market.
By now you can probably guess how I feel about the recent news that UTM’s ROTC closing has been postponed: I’m quite pleased. And even though we’re not out of the woods yet, I’m confident that the program will do whatever is required to stay on campus.
You may be thinking I don’t approve of antiwar sentiments because I support the ROTC in Martin, but I assure you it has nothing to do with it. I don’t consider myself pro-war, but I do consider myself pro-military.
You see, a population of educated men and women that also happen to be soldiers is a great way to feel safe as an American. And since the population in the U.S. is enormous, I like knowing that a decent number of American citizens have the training for service in the military during times of war.
So if the ROTC has a chance of staying on campus, you better believe I’m going to voice my approval. I may not support every American military operation going on right now, but I most definitely support the soldiers that have pledged their loyalty to the U.S.
